ENTERPRISE Car Club is supporting Edinburgh City Council’s goal of increasing the use of electric vehicles by expanding its fleet in the city. The project will make it easier for residents, local businesses and visitors to trial and drive cars that produce zero emissions when being driven.
The initial introduction of 12 electric vehicles is part of the council’s sustainable transport strategy. Throughout the summer, Enterprise Car Club will be strategically adding more electric vehicles across Edinburgh as usage grows among car club members.
The vehicles are currently based at Brunswick Road, Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh University, Holyrood Road, Hopetoun Crescent, Vanburgh Place, and other locations, within reach of residential, commercial and business areas as well as Waverley Station. They will complement Enterprise Car Club’s extensive network across Scotland, including the Highlands and Islands.
At the same time, Enterprise plans to host drop-in sessions at its rental branches to help familiarise people with how to use and charge an electric vehicle. This initiative is part of its focus on delivering an outstanding experience, ensuring that customers are well-supported throughout their electric vehicle journey.
Following the enforcement of Edinburgh’s Low Emission Zone on 1st June, Enterprise Car Club’s electric fleet provides a low-cost alternative for those whose vehicles do not comply with the new standards.
Adam Lovelock, Enterprise’s General Manager in Scotland, said, “We’re proud to contribute to the growth of electric motoring in Edinburgh. Renting is a great way for people to experience electric driving and learn how to use and charge the vehicles.
“The best way to support the adoption of electric vehicles is by putting the customer at the centre and focusing on the overall experience, not just the vehicle. Our drop-in sessions aim to excite and educate potential users about electric vehicles, and the new expanded charging network helps to ensure that renting an electric vehicle is convenient, with ample charging points across the city.”
To encourage take-up, Enterprise Car Club is offering a special rate for electric vehicle rentals until 1stSeptember 2024.
Enterprise Car Club is used by a wide range of customers, including City Council employees. In fact, one-in-five Enterprise Car Club trips in Edinburgh is for business purposes, while the rest are for personal use. Additionally, one in 10 users has a postcode outside the city and uses a car club during their visit, often picking up a vehicle at the main public transport hubs.
The average distance for an Enterprise Car Club journey in Edinburgh is just under 50 miles, making many trips ideal for electric vehicles.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Our expanded network of chargers and the growing electric car club fleet are crucial steps towards a cleaner, more sustainable transport system in Edinburgh. It means we’re providing easy access to affordable electric vehicles, which is a great option for anyone who wants to play their part in our journey to Net Zero.”
Enterprise Car Club has grown to include nearly 300 vehicles in Scotland, ranging from small hatchbacks to large estate cars and vans, including petrol, hybrid and electric vehicles.
Lovelock concluded: “Edinburgh City Council has been a fantastic partner in expanding access to shared vehicles, and our car club programme in the city is one of the longest-running and largest in the UK. Encouraging shared transport is a great way to reduce emissions and congestion, increase the use of public transport and active travel, and support more sustainable transport. We’re committed to achieving this through strong partnerships, and our work with Edinburgh City Council is a great example of this.”
